• Journal of Music and Human Behavior
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.1-27
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• 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate how primary caregivers of children with developmental disabilities aged 6 to 18 years perceived on tele-music programs in which their children participated during COVID-19. A total of 83 caregivers who voluntarily agreed to participate in this study responded to a survey either on-line or in person and 67 questionnaires were included in the final analysis after deleting 16 incomplete responses. The results showed that tele-music programs were rated somewhat suitable for distance learning but that there was still a need for adult assistance to help children with developmental disabilities participate in the program. When comparing the perceptions of caregivers who participated in remote general education versus who participated in tele-music program, significantly higher level of program engagement and positive responses from a child were perceived with tele-music program. The caregivers who participated in tele-music program showed significantly greater willingness to participate in tele-music therapy in the future than those who did not. The findings of this study presents information on how tele-music therapy has been implemented to children with disabilities and what can be considered for the the development of a tele-music therapy program.

• Journal of Music and Human Behavior
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.29-62
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• 2021

This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of an interactive singing-based synchronous videoconferencing program for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study was conducted in four stages: analysis of interactive singing tasks in the literature for children with ASD, examination of differences in perception of sounds transmitted via synchronous videoconferencing platform depending on the type of singing tasks and accompaniment, construction of singing-based synchronous videoconferencing program and determination of its validity, and implementation of the constructed program with three children with ASD and confirmation of its feasibility. The results showed that different types of singing tasks and accompaniment affected perception of sounds transmitted online, which highlights the importance of considering such effects when designing synchronous videoconferencing music therapy programs. Also, increases in program engagement and singing behaviors were observed for all three participants, and their caregivers reported high levels of satisfaction with the program. The findings support the applicability of this intervention as a tele-music alternative during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinical implications and suggestions are discussed.